Oregon Economist Says Indicators Point To Growth

An index of indicators has taken a dip but still points to growth in Oregon's economy.
University of Oregon economist Tim Duy says the Index of Economic Indicators shows growth in the state economy near the average rate since 1990.
He told the Eugene Register-Guard the index was down slightly in March, the first decline since July.
Duy says first-time unemployment claims continued to fall, hitting their lowest level since September 2007. He says that suggests the labor market will continue to improve.
The index showed residential building permits and manufacturing indicators steady, while consumer sentiment and trucking activity fell slightly.
Duy says the expected growth may be tempered by tighter federal fiscal policy - higher taxes and spending cuts.